Competitive TF2, Part Six: The Sniper
Well, part six of the competitive TF2 guide is here at last, and I can assure you that it is a heavy hitter. I’m going to be talking about my class of choice, the sniper.
Now, you may be saying to yourself, “But you never mentioned sniper in the list of commonly played competitive classes!” And you are certainly right, I didn’t. But the sniper is one of, if not the most commonly played utilities in competitive TF2.
The sniper is very straightforward at first glance, you shoot the heads of the other team, and they die. Simple, right? Not always. You have to keep in mind that in a competitive match, gameplay is incredibly dynamic. When half of the other team is flying around the map, as opposed to standing on the cart, the sniper’s job becomes exponentially tougher.
But this is what makes competitive snipers so interesting. They’ve adapted to hitting rapidly moving targets, even when they’re at close ranges. The greatest example of this that comes to mind is the TFC sniper guild Auto-Aim. They’ve since moved into TF2, and they are just as absurdly skilled.
When playing as a competitive sniper, one of your most important roles is to attempt to kill the enemy medic. With the medic down, you not only eliminate a source of health for the other team, but you also open up opportunities for your own team to push.
Remember, in order of importance, you should kill:
- Other snipers
- Medics
- Scouts
- Demomen
- Soldiers
- Other utilities
A good sniper can also effectively stop captures, as well as open up a point that is being guarded to capture. On the subject of opening points, the sniper’s SMG and sniper rifle are perfect for destroying stickies. Do not hesitate to destroy stickies if it will protect your team. It doesn’t matter if you waste a charged shot, a living medic is more valuable than a dead enemy.
On the subject of techniques, sniper is 90% aim, but there are some techniques which can make you more effective. The first technique, scanning, can greatly increase the speed with which you are able to land shots. Scanning consists of roughly aiming at head height while unscoped, so that when you do scope in, you have less fine aiming to do.
Though this is really personal preference, I tend to scope in for a full charge. Yes, this decreases the speed with which I shoot, but it also means that even if I barely hit the enemy medic or one of their scouts, that player is dead. Keep in mind that when it’s 6v6, every player counts. I’ve yet to meet a competitive player who has complained to me about a bodyshot, so blast away.
Again, personal preference, but it’s typically better if you turn off auto rescope. You should be planning shots wisely, and when you get pulled back into the scope, you put yourself at risk, by lowering your field of view. Now, while being able to rescope if you miss can be useful, it’s generally best if you just do it manually.
In regards to your field of vision, you should always set FOV to it’s maximum. This enables you to see more of the battle, and can even mean the difference between an enemy sniper seeing you, or you seeing him.
When on maps with long sightlines, such as Badlands or Gravelpit, use the openness of the area to your advantage. Use the space between you and your enemy as a trap. Because regardless of his skill, you’re more precise at long range. Lure him into an open space by retreating (it’s not important whether you fake this or not) and headshot him. You can also lure him into the rest of your team; either way he’s dead.
While having loads of empty space between your enemy and yourself may seem to make you a sitting duck, it also gives you an unobstructed view of him. In addition, also keep in mind that while the sniper is certainly very effective at long range, he is just as effective at medium range. When at a mid distance from your enemy, their heads are much easier to hit, give their relatively large size when scoped in.
Since sniper is all about aim, there isn’t much more that I haven’t covered in the way of techniques. But easy ways to improve your aim include downloading training maps like tr_walkway, or just playing the class. Playing competitive maps and sniping from near the front lines is far better for your sniping ability than being a WCS on 2fort. Practicing sniping on 5CP maps will give you a feel for the ebb and flow of action, and allow you to get used to the environment.
Aim is something that you have to work at gradually, and you shpuld adjust your mouse settings to whatever works for you. Some snipers play with a lower sensitivity. Personally, I play with my mouse set to 3600 DPI, with in-game sensitivity set to 5.
That should about cover it. You’re an assassin – precision elimination of key targets is your role. Taking down key enemy targets, specifically the medic will hugely help your team and justify your reason for existence.
Oh, and one last note – when you’re practicing sniper, keep a jar handy. Could save you from the terror of a bathroom break.
Stumble it!
Alex responded on 31 Aug 2009 at 10:53 pm #
Great article
Zanpa responded on 31 Aug 2009 at 11:07 pm #
I use auto rescope, and I right click when I don’t want to scope again. Simple.
Paper Shadow responded on 31 Aug 2009 at 11:43 pm #
@Zanpa: As do I. I tried taking off Auto-Rescope once. It was annoying, but that’s just me…
Also, I suggest watching this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2Xzpd-EyuM&feature=channel
It’s from the same guy who made the video above, but unedited from a match. He doesn’t die, and misses a lot at the beginning, but it does get more impressive…
Nick responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 12:18 am #
As a full time sniper player, I liked this article, and I want to add few things:
1. Speed vs. Power: The sniper can also be a long range enemy weakener. Personally, on a payload map I prefer to reduce a little more the overall HP of the car pushers to give the demoman or soldier of the team the possibility to rocket/pipebomb the center of the car and kill.
2. Sneaking Sniper: Sometimes the other team overflows of snipers and it’s barely impossible to defeat them. So, knowing the alternate routes of the map can be good, the snipers and slow running classes, are not aware of a potential danger on their field or captured points/payload. So, aiming the Kukri to their heads grants a 50% possibility of Critical Hit, even if they are two snipers, the second one will be scoping and unaware.
3. Ubered Sniper: An ubered with kritzkrieg sniper at long range is deadly even for a heavy without needing to do a full charge. Most of the players are not aware of this combination, but in the most cases my team did it, we turned the odds at our favor.
Also, a Sneaking Sniper with an invul-ubercharge can shovel up the enemy lines from behind.
Mr. Noobinator responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 1:40 am #
in short: DON’T BE A WEIGHTED COMPANION SNIPER
=p
@nick: wow, kritz’d sniper? i never even once thought of giving my buffbeam to snipers. should try that out sometime. thx for the info
Adoring Fan responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 2:17 am #
How often is Jarate seen in the competitive environment? I would imagine that a well-placed piss jar could easily sway the direction of a battle.
n00bie51 responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 2:26 am #
How could you forget to mention Kritzkrieg Snipers, d00d?!
I’m liking these GMod pictures.
Personally, I don’t do this, but I think it’s a good way to increase your precision with head shots. Some people think that skilled players use high levels of sensitivity to help with their reflexes and turn faster when aiming, but it’s actually better if it’s lower. I’ve heard competitive players (at least for CS) like to play with a sensitivity of 1 and use a big mousepad. This means they’re moving their arms more while aiming allowing for greater precision, knamean? It might take some time to get used to, and a good mouse and area to move the mouse around in, but this is supposed to be a superior way of sniping.
Mr. Noobinator responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 2:59 am #
@adoring fan: i would imagine jarate not used often in competitive play, as it would require the sniper to go up to the front line and risk getting killed in the process, wasting precious seconds to support your team to push forward. I personally would stay back, and score headshots instead of throwing jarate and forcing them to retreat. then again, i’d say its situational =p
speaking of sniper unlocks, i don’t think competitive sniper would use razor back would they? lol
Mr. Noobinator responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 3:10 am #
@noobie51: playing with high sensitivity require u to play with extremely minimal movement on your wrist, and it put quite a strain (in the long run) to your muscle to get that crosshair to land accurately on the enemy(’s head). IMO, it’s a unhealthy way of playing =p my friend who were part of the country’s representative play CS with another table for his mouse. i was quite shocked to see it the first time i see a pro playing =\
SirMax responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 3:13 am #
I hate that video so so much. He’s not aiming at the head for 99% of the shots, and for 75% of the scout close range headshots the scout isn’t even on his screen. I don’t care whether it’s prediction or lag compensation or what, it makes it feel like he’s cheating hitboxes when he fires five feet behind a player at their torso and gets a headshot
Quackingstick responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 3:55 am #
@Sirmax: I was relatively unimpressed as well. Not to mention, some of the clips must be really old considering that he bunny hopped all the way to badlands mid and trimp jumped on the stairs to get a headshot in mid-air. It’s not really impressive to see someone use long fixed physics exploit.
Haiddasalami responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 6:18 am #
Tips:
Pubs – Aim for head. You will die a lot but will help aim
Pugs/Scrims/Comp. games – Bodyshot like no tommorow. Other scout can clean up and soldiers and medic will appreciate your help.
Sniper servers – Lower pub ones (I know No Heroes has one) tend to have mid to low skill levels. Though once you head to hac servers, prepare to get owned. Wish they would stop playing 2fort sniper battles though… Forgot to mention my point *doh*, sniper servers help in memory shootting (?) IE they help in those quick swipes that all battle snipers must have.
@sirmax: you dont want to sniper against bloodshire, or JH. Trust me
Haiddasalami responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 6:19 am #
@haiddasalami: Forgot to mention one thing, all sniper battles come down to who scopes in first.
Paper Shadow responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 6:53 am #
@SirMax and Quackingstick: Both things you mentioned can simply be explained by looking at the video description…
SirMax – “The game is lag compensated, but the demos aren’t or whatever the technical mumbo jumbo bs is. That’s why the shots look “off”. End of discussion.”
Quackingstick – “The bunnyhopping was done on a TF2 Turbo server. A mod made by caesium” (then there is a link to a video about the mod)
clubtheseals responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 7:24 am #
@n00bie51
The screens for the articles have all been pulled from in game footage. The only gmod images are on the first article and the utility article.
This is No Zaku! responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 8:28 am #
I love playing sniper, there really is nothing like the feeling of killing a fully charged medic, followed by screaming over chat, finalized by the appearance of loads of spies and counter-snipers *cough* WCS.
This is not my real name responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 8:35 am #
I guess it’s a nice article but l have to say something about competitive TF2..no, l am not gonna call you profags, but l feel like some classes are REALLY underestimated…like engie, pyro, heavy and spy.
Back when l was into a pro gaming clan they literally forbade me to play as any of the classes above….sure, they let me play heavy, my favorite class, but it was annoying because you always have to stick with your team (and it’s not easy when you’re the slowest one around) like they were your moms or something…and the battles against ninja soldiers feel really unfair when you don’t have a “normal” team backing you up…it’s not fun, that’s all..
melkor responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 8:47 am #
A Heavy literally explodes against 2 Soldiers in 2 seconds. ..
This is not my real name responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 8:56 am #
Not if he’s a decent heavy…with a decent team to back him up.
HelisPoe responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 10:04 am #
@melkor
That’s the main problem with competitive TF2 and a reason I never play it. None of the other classes except for Scout, Soldier, Demo, Medic, and occasionally Sniper are used. Sure a rare Heavy here and there, but the game was MEANT (CAPS CAPS CAPS) with utility of ALL 9 classes. This explains why I love highlander (Did I mention why I love highlander?).
Because it mixes the competitive feel yet it utilizes all 9 classes and requires teamwork with, you guessed it, ALL 9 classes.
But you know, it’s my personal opinion. Just don’t expect me to pick up so call “real” (In quotations) competitive gaming. I’ll stick with my purist Highlander games.
Breaking off from my rambling, I’m enjoying these competitive articles. May I request one on maps most frequently used in comp play so we can get some insight on how said maps are played out?
HelisPoe responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 10:07 am #
I play TF2 for the most of my money. What’s the point of playing competitive play when the money I spent to buy this game isn’t also put into the other 4-5 classes? Each class is a separate experience no? So by playing comp play I miss out on about 4/9 or 5/9 of the total experience.
Edit button for great justice.
Xriloku responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 10:18 am #
Thanks for writing this. Every time I’ve tried to get better with the sniper, every single video has come down to: “Aim for the head. That’s all, folks! Now watch my uber pr0 sniper skillz for the rest of the movie.”
Thank you for getting off your ass and actually EXPLAINING.
General Balls responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 2:04 pm #
It’s videos like the AA one that make me wish for better framerates.
Anonymoose responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 8:26 pm #
It’s a good thing Pyros are so ignored in 6v6, not many sollies/demos expect the airblast
n00bie51 responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 10:39 pm #
Mr. Noobinator, I’m aware of why using a lower sensitivity is better. Haha, I’ve heard of CS players using large mousepads, but a separate table?
Brian_Black responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 11:12 pm #
I agree Anonymoose. I’ve found the pyro to be great for spam reduction on many center/choke points as well as providing close-range support for the medic. I’ve never seen anything better than reflecting an enemy Kritz soldier’s rocket into his medic.
elgms responded on 02 Sep 2009 at 2:57 am #
I have to disagree with the “sniper is 90% aim.” statement.
Concealment, and staying hidden from the enemy is more important then aiming. You can not aim if your sitting in the respawn que, or having to travel from respawn back to your position.
First you have to stay alive so you can aim. A good sniper picks a good spot they can hide at, and colors of the map to best conceal their location.
jrhather responded on 02 Sep 2009 at 3:59 am #
I’m hoping for a weapons tactic guide after these are finished up.
Raawr responded on 02 Sep 2009 at 4:07 am #
I find it a lot easier to let the enemy run into your crosshair and fire then it is to “aim”. Or you can do a “sweeping” shot. If you scope at the right time most players won’t even see your dot.
SirMax responded on 02 Sep 2009 at 4:10 am #
@Paper: The thing is I don’t care. It’s a video, all that matters is how it looks. If I published eight minutes of black screen and said it was because the demo didn’t work, would that make it okay?
Hermod responded on 02 Sep 2009 at 9:48 am #
@Sirmax: Oh noes, vidya dunt look rite cuz of teh lag comp that DOESNT GET APPLIED TO A DEMO, so i iz gonna bitch and i iz gonna whine and say DUNT MATTER TO ME CUZ ZOMG IT LEWK SO BAD.
Grow the fuck up.
n00bie51 responded on 04 Sep 2009 at 10:12 am #
Darn it, clubtheseals, I knew I shouldn’t have said they were Gmod. My mistake.
HelisPoe, you make it sound as if competitive players are getting less out of the money they spent for TF2; I can understand where you’re coming from, but from their perspective, they’re actually getting more out of the game by making the game more geared towards competitive play. There’s good reason the Pyro and the Spy aren’t played often, and I would think most people who play competitively would agree that they think they’re getting more out of the game through CP play. F’realz, son.
You stress how the game is meant to be played with “all nine classes,” and how you enjoy Highlander matches. Did it ever occur to you that the classes may not be balanced enough and that at a competitive level balance issues are made much more significant? How about the fact it can be difficult enough for six players to build a relationship with each other as clan mates and maintain communication and coordinate in-game, let alone nine people on the same team? It’s a challenge to have that “teamwork” you mentioned because there comes a point where there’s too many players on your team to work with and with greater numbers of players and class variety, there is greater chaos and inconsistency within the play.
Finally, SirMax: It’s quite unreasonable of you to harshly criticize the video editor/players just because the demos don’t record the visible effects of latency (which is something way beyond their control) after you’ve learned it’s not their fault the footage appears like that. “If I published eight minutes of black screen and said it was because the demo didn’t work, would that make it okay?” That’s an absurd analogy, nor is it all about how the video looks. If it IS about how the video looks, then I guess a video clip of a Sniper getting six head shots in a row is no more interesting or impressive to watch than a Pyro running around and getting a bunch of kllls in a pub filled with noobs?
FlyingHat responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 4:22 pm #
I feel sorry for all of those scouts in the AA video. It’s hard not to feel a bit of sympathy.
DominiX responded on 11 Sep 2009 at 3:48 am #
I was amazed about the bunny-hoping of the sniper in the movie @ badlands. The close-range shots are a very week spot for a sniper without a partner to assist.
Jarate may also bring up a lot of advantage at pushing or holding, mini crits is still much more better than just an ordinary shot.
Very nice guide.
catman221 responded on 20 Sep 2009 at 4:03 am #
Whats you opinion with the next unlockables?
Jarate, razorback, Huntsmen. Are they worth equipping?
BATTERIES responded on 20 Sep 2009 at 5:20 am #
I used to play sniper full time last summer and was quite good.I know also that those close shots require a lot of skill ( ive done them enough times myself) but many are complete luck …it just depends if you fancy yourself enough to nail it and the self believe can do it sometimes.
These guys are good I know.I used to play on NSA and ive seen -AA- there a few times.Just an extra note is that counter sniping is what i do most and its very different to this.I might start sniping again and teach you some lessons
And the unlocks are no good in my opinion unless you like huge huntsman hitboxes …except jarate can be decent if you fancy your no scoping but i played quake and dod so I do that instead of smg.
Tacoholic responded on 22 Sep 2009 at 12:29 pm #
Batteries the close head shots aren’t difficult you just get as close a you want to and press mouse2 and then mouse1 in like a half a second move, but you do have to do some work(aim in their general direction).
And never NEVER judge a sniper by how much they move around. I’ve seen plenty of snipers just move around, easy to head shot just aim for where they are moving to if your timing is right you will be considered a literal bastard. So just move and don’t stay in your scope for the entire game just take a shot, move around do some jumps you know and crouching(Dance Around)and then take another shot. Simple enough?
Jh responded on 22 Sep 2009 at 8:52 pm #
You forgot the most important part.
NEVER FLASH YOUR DOT.
(ofc with experience you learn to control the enemies by flashing the dot but that would make quite long an article)
alpha responded on 28 Oct 2009 at 7:55 am #
JH : what do you mean by “flash your dot” ?
Hope for a 2nd movie of you by the way
Mr. Bunneh responded on 10 Dec 2009 at 5:04 pm #
Try playing on the -:SS:- server (if you can find it) we all play sniper frequently and we are all fairly good 2 or 3 could easily go pro
i can never think of a good name responded on 15 Mar 2010 at 2:36 am #
sorry but i have been reading and i know this may sound noobish but what is FOV. I haven’t been -laying tf2 long but this article caught my attention and i really wanna improvw and get into competitive tf2.
Lj responded on 22 Mar 2010 at 11:26 am #
FoV is field of view